What should I do if someone is harassing me online?

Learn practical strategies to manage online harassment effectively, learn how to get help and safeguard your well-being with these proactive approaches.

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  • Suitable for members aged 12-17
  • 4 minute read
  • 794 words (2 sides of A4)
  • Providing help and guidance on Staying Safe
  • Created and reviewed by our team of experts

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Understanding Online Harassment

Online harassment, sometimes known as cyberbullying, refers to the act of sending aggressive or intimidating messages through digital means. Social media platforms, emails, chat rooms, and gaming environments are common places for this kind of behaviour. This type of bullying can include sending threatening messages, spreading rumours, sharing private information without consent, or even creating fake profiles to cause distress to someone else.

While digital platforms have transformed the way we connect and interact, they've also opened the door to new forms of harassment that can follow you from school or work right into your home. Unlike traditional bullying, which can be escaped by leaving a particular physical space, online harassment can feel inescapable. It's important to recognise when it's happening and understand the steps you can take to protect yourself effectively.

Real-life Impact on Young People

For teenagers, the effects of online harassment can be severe. At a time when social approval feels critical, being targeted online can lead to feelings of isolation, embarrassment, anxiety, or even depression. The anonymity of the internet can sometimes make bullies feel empowered to say things they would not normally say face-to-face, making the comments harsher and the experience more traumatic.

Moreover, the nature of the internet means that harmful messages can spread fast and wide, complicating the situation further. This constant stress can spill over into real life, affecting everything from academic performance to personal relationships and overall mental health.

Practical Strategies for Dealing with Online Harassment

Dealing with online harassment effectively requires a proactive and composed approach. Here are several strategies to help manage and protect against online bullies:

What should I do if someone is harassing me online?

1. Do Not Engage

Responding to harassers can sometimes make the situation worse. Bullies often thrive on the reaction they get from their targets. By not engaging, you deny them the response they are seeking which might deter further interaction.

2. Keep Evidence

It's important to keep records of all interactions that can be classified as harassment. Save screenshots, emails, and any other relevant communications. Digital evidence is crucial should you need to report the behaviour to authorities or social media platforms.

3. Use Available Tools

Most social media platforms have features that allow users to block, mute, or report someone who is behaving inappropriately. Familiarise yourself with these tools and use them as needed to help maintain your digital peace.

4. Adjust Privacy Settings

Increase your online privacy by adjusting your social media settings. Limit the amount of personal information you share and manage who can see your posts and personal details. This not only protects you from potential harassers but also limit's their ammunition.

5. Talk to Someone

Dealing with harassment can be emotionally taxing. Talk to someone you trust - a parent, teacher, counsellor, or friend - about what you're experiencing. They can provide support, advice, and help you deal with your feelings.

6. Report It

If the harassment escalates or continues despite your efforts, report it to the relevant authorities. This could mean informing your school, the service provider, or even the police if threats are involved. Laws on cyberbullying are strengthening, and many organisations are committed to making online spaces safer.

7. Seek Professional Help

If online harassment is impacting your mental health, seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide you with strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depression that can arise from being harassed online.

8. Build a Supportive Network

Encourage an online environment where respect and kindness are the norm. Connect with friends and communities that uphold these values, creating a buffer against potential harassment.

By implementing these strategies, you can help safeguard your online well-being and respond effectively if you encounter harassment.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

  • Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
  • The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
  • Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.